Geely's Riddara RD6 launched in Thailand - Kingdom's first BEV pick-up priced from equivalent of RM 117k

Thailand is one of the few countries in the world where pick-up trucks dominate the market. Unsurprisingly, it was also selected as the debut location for the official launch of the Riddara RD6 in right-hand drive (RHD) and ASEAN countries.

Riddara was launched in China as the Radar brand in 2022 by Geely Holding Group and focuses on electrified pick-up trucks. The brand achieved the status as China’s number one fully-electric (BEV) pick-up, holding over 60% market share in the segment in 2023.

Last year also saw the expansion of Riddara in export markets with launches in Eastern Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Central America, and South America. In July 2024, Riddara set up its first overseas subsidiary in Thailand which aims to serve as the hub for pick-up BEVs in the ASEAN region.

The Riddara RD6 is the Kingdom’s first BEV pick-up and is offered in four variants:

• Riddara RD6 2WD 63 kWh – THB 899,000 (~RM 117k)
• Riddara RD6 2WD 73 kWh – THB 999,000 (~RM 130k)
• Riddara RD6 4WD 73 kWh – THB 1,149,000 (~RM 150k)
• Riddara RD6 4WD 86 kWh – THB 1,299,000 (~RM 169k)

For comparison, a standard Toyota Hilux double cab starts from THB 881,000 (~RM 115k) while the base Isuzu D-Max double cab is priced from THB 880,000 (~RM 114.5k). The latter is also offered with a mild-hybrid (MHEV) variant that is priced at THB 1,145,000 (~RM 149k).

The 2WD variants are equipped with a rear-mounted (RWD) electric motor that generates 272 PS and 385 Nm. The 4WD variants are powered by two electric motors on each axle producing a combined 428 PS and 595 Nm.

Three battery packs are available, 63 kWh and 73 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) as well as 86 kWh ternary lithium packs. The RD6 has a maximum range of between 373 km to 461 km under NEDC ratings.

The RD6 supports DC fast charging of up to 110 kW with a claimed 30-80% state-of-charge (SoC) completed within 30 minutes.

Though it has a maximum loading capacity of up to 1,030 kg, the RD6 isn’t built on a traditional ladder frame chassis. Rather, the BEV is built on a monocoque platform called Multiplex Attached Platform (MAP) which is specially designed to combine the strengths of pick-ups and BEVs.

The electric pick-up has a water-wading depth of 500 mm (2WD) and 815 mm (4WD). In terms of suspension set-up, the RD6 is fitted with front MacPherson independent struts and independent multi-links in the rear.

Riddara boasts that the RD6 has lower maintenance and energy costs compared to traditional combustion engine pick-up trucks. Still, this BEV pick-up might be more intended for lifestyle buyers than for workhorse needs.

Depending on the variants, the RD6 is equipped with an illuminated front grille, LED headlights and taillights, an electric tailgate with a pull-out ladder, heated side mirrors, and automatic wipers.

Inside, the RD6 comes with a fully digital 10.25-inch driver display, powered front seats, front and rear ventilated seats, a 14.6-inch floating infotainment unit with Apple CarPlay support, automatic dual-zone climate control, and rear air-conditioning vents.

As for safety features, the three higher variants come equipped with 6 airbags, a 540-degree surround view camera with transparent chassis, and ADAS which includes:

• Intelligent cruise control (ICC)
• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Forward collision warning (FCW)
• Lane-keeping assist (LKA)
• Lane change assist (LCA)
• Blind-spot detection (BSD)

Despite being under the ownership of Geely Group, there are no official plans regarding the launch of the Riddara RD6 in Malaysia. It might even seem unlikely for the pick-up to be given the Proton treatment as the spiritual successor to the Arena.

Proton will be launching its first BEV, the Geely Galaxy E5-shared e.Mas 7 in December with bookings for the C-segment SUV now opened.

Also read: Estimated from RM 120k, Proton e.Mas 7 bookings now open - Cheaper than top-spec X70